There have been accounts of women who have used or are currently using Yaz (Yazmin) birth control and have acquired inflammation problems with their pancreas. Yaz pancreatitis side effects can contribute to serious complications, that could potentially become life-threatening.
What is pancreatitis?
Researchers have associated the estrogen in hormone-based birth control, such as Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella, with heightened blood levels of triglyceride which can lead to pancreatitis in patients using such oral contraceptives. Another belief is that estrogen has toxic effects within the pancreas itself.
Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large glad behind the stomach and close to the duodenum – the beginning part of a small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, called enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic enzymes then join with bile – a fluid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder – to digest food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body convert and modify the glucose taken in from food into energy.
In a normal, healthy pancreas the enzymes secreted by the pancreas do not become active till they get to the small intestine. So when a pancreas is inflamed the enzymes build up inside it, and attack and damage the tissues that produce them.
Pancreatitis could be either acute or chronic, both forms are dangerous and can lead to complications. In severe cases bleeding, infection and permanent tissue damage could occur.
What is acute pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly and usually resolves after a few days, with treatment. It could still, however, be a life-threatening condition that can lead to severe complications. Acute pancreatitis is most commonly brought on by the presence of gallstones. These bring on inflammation in the pancreas and they pass through the bile duct.
Symptoms
Acute pancreatitis starts out with a gradual, or sometimes sudden, pain in the upper abdominal region that extends through the back. The pain may start off mild, but become worse after eating. Often times the pain is severe, and might become constant and last for several days. A person with acute pancreatitis typically looks and feels very ill, and may need immediate medical attention. Other symptoms may include:
• a swollen tender abdomen
• fever
• a rapid pulse
Gallstones that cause acute pancreatitis should be removed surgically. Sometimes the entire gallbladder will be removed. Acute pancreatitis can often times lead to further complications such as kidney failure. People who develop kidney failure need blood-cleansing regimen called dialysis, or a kidney transplant.
What is chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal, or improve (may even worsen) over time and often times precludes to permanent damage. Chronic pancreatitis, like acute, occurs when the digestive enzymes attack the pancreas and nearby tissues, causing abdominal pain.
Symptoms
The majority of people with chronic pancreatitis will experience upper abdominal pain. The pain moves to the back, and will feel worse when eating or drinking, and could become constant and debilitating. In some cases, abdominal pain will go away as the condition worsens, most likely because the pancreas is no longer making digestive enzymes. Other symptoms could be:
• nausea
• vomiting
• weight loss
• diarrhea
• oily stools
*pancreatitis information is provided by the National Institute of Health (NIH)
It is very important if you believe after taking Yaz that you have developed pancreatitis or other serious medical issues, you need to find an attorney. You have legal rights and need someone to represent you.